Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: sleek on September 25, 2015, 03:46:54 am

Title: hafting methods?
Post by: sleek on September 25, 2015, 03:46:54 am

What ways are there to attach knapped points to a cane shaft arrow?  Footing included?

Title: Re: hafting methods?
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2015, 09:20:03 am

I've only done one or two with footings and don't think a footing is necessary but they are extra work.
  I cut a slot in the cane(I use a bandsaw) then open that slot to accept the stone point with a thin blade knife and sandpaper folded over and over again as the slot opens. Once I get a good fit with the point centered I add the pitch to both and put them together trueing them up as best I can. I do a spin test(tip of point on tip of finger). If it spins true(without a wobble) I wrap with sinew then spin test again. If the arrow wobbles I add a little heat to the point, reset it and spin again. Once everything is good, I seal the sinew wrap. I use either pitch varnish or super glue to seal.

Title: Re: hafting methods?
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 25, 2015, 08:11:36 pm

I don't think footing is necessary, neither are foreshafts. The cane is plenty strong all by itself. I haven't made more than about 20 or so arrows of river cane but have used alot of Japanesse arrow bamboo and have found the two fairly similar. Just cut a slot right into the cane and then taper the sides and the top and bottom a little and haft away!

Title: Re: hafting methods?
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2015, 11:31:14 pm

Here is how I do it. These are hill cane and sourwood shoot arrows with stone points hafted...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/forPA009.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/primitive%20archer/forPA009.jpg.html)

Title: Re: hafting methods?
Post by: sleek on September 28, 2015, 04:57:58 pm

Thanks guys. Ill be doing some hafting this week.